Leeds Rhinos to thank fans for French connection

Rhinos have sold 210 tickets for Saturday's Betfred Super League clash, which will be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tickets have been refunded, but 60 supporters have told the club they plan to visit Perpignan anyway, rather than waste money already spent on travel and accommodation.

Rhinos spokesman Phil Daly said: “We had hoped to organise something in Perpignan so the travelling fans could meet up with the squad, but, as the situation has escalated this week, we now feel it would be irresponsible to encourage those fans to come together at one event while they are away from home.

"Instead, we will look to arrange something later in the year by way of thanks for their support in difficult and unprecedented circumstances.”

The club say all supporters who purchased tickets have now received their money back.

Anyone who paid by card has been refunded and fans who paid by cash have been contacted and either reimbursed on to their card or arranged for a cash refund.

Rhinos players and staff will travel to Perpignan, via Barcelona, on Friday.

Leeds' 21-man squad for the game includes winger Tom Briscoe who has not played since suffering a knee injury last August.